Dude Perfect, Jenna Marbles, Markiplier, Jaclyn Hill…the list goes on and on. If any of these names ring a bell, you may be one of the millions of people who boosted them to YouTube fame. With YouTube becoming the second largest search engine in the world (runner-up to its parent company Google), it’s no surprise that these stars are racking up millions of views and have become digital celebrities with tons of social influence. Many of them may have jumped on the boom early on, but remaining relevant in a constantly evolving digital landscape is no easy task.
Here are some tips from the pros on how to become a successful YouTube(r):
- Decide the purpose of your channel. All big YouTubers recommend honing in on a specific audience niche and then keeping your content consistent and relevant to those individuals. This will build channel loyalty and keep your viewers coming back for more. Begin each video with a hook and keep the intro short so viewers can get to the core of the video quickly.
- Customize your channel. Although your channel should have an overall theme, grouping videos into playlists (ie. A Day in the Life, Challenge videos, etc.) can be helpful to viewers who have a favorite style video that you make. Adding a personalized banner will also help polish the look of your channel.
- Choose a consistent upload schedule. Even though viewers are notified of new posted videos when they subscribe your channel, a routine schedule can be helpful in building buzz and reminding viewers to come back again and again.
- Optimize your videos. Use SEO keywords and fill out a detailed description for every video. Include links that complement your content, but be sure they are included in a tasteful and non-distracting way. Be honest about any affiliate links that are used for full disclosure.
- Consider purchasing proper equipment. Investing in sound, lighting, and post production software as well as learning proper filming techniques can give your videos a more professional look. Nothing is more annoying than bad shadows or a fuzzy audio.
- Utilize various platforms (social media, blogs, etc.). Oftentimes viewers are invested in you as a person and enjoy following you on other social media. You can engage viewers directly on those platforms to gauge what interests them and ask what they would like to see in a future video. Have friends that relate to your brand help spread awareness and get you more qualified viewers.
- Be yourself! Don’t set out to be famous, and have a genuine passion for the videos you create. This is the best way to create captivating content and gain subscribers. Don’t forget to end a video encouraging viewers to subscribe.
Good luck, future YouTube star!
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